Which Halo to Play First?
Halo is a beloved video game franchise that has been around for over two decades. With numerous games and expansions, it can be daunting for new players to decide where to start. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best Halo game to play first.
Release Order vs. Chronological Order
There are two ways to play the Halo games: by release order or chronological order. Release order refers to the order in which the games were released, while chronological order refers to the order in which the events in the game take place.
Release Order
Playing the Halo games in release order can be a good way to experience the series as it was originally intended. Here’s the order in which the games were released:
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
- Halo 2 (2004)
- Halo 3 (2007)
- Halo 3: ODST (2009)
- Halo: Reach (2010)
- Halo 4 (2012)
- Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
- Halo Wars (2009)
- Halo Wars 2 (2017)
- Halo Infinite (2020)
Chronological Order
Playing the Halo games in chronological order can be a good way to follow the story and character development. Here’s the order in which the events take place:
- Halo: Reach (2010)
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
- Halo 2 (2004)
- Halo 3 (2007)
- Halo 3: ODST (2009)
- Halo 4 (2012)
- Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
- Halo Infinite (2020)
Best Game for Beginners
If you’re new to the Halo series, we recommend starting with Halo: Combat Evolved or Halo 2. These games introduced the series’ iconic multiplayer and set the stage for the rest of the games.
Halo 2 is particularly significant because it introduced the Elites, a rival species to humanity, and explored the consequences of humanity’s decision to colonize the galaxy.
Best Game for Story
If you’re interested in the Halo series’ story, Halo 4 is a great starting point. This game introduces a new villain, the Didact, and explores the consequences of humanity’s contact with the Forerunners.
Best Game for Multiplayer
If you’re interested in playing Halo’s multiplayer mode, Halo 5: Guardians is a great starting point. This game introduced a new cooperative mode, Warzone, and a new competitive mode, Arena.
Should You Play Halo Reach First?
Halo: Reach is an interesting case. While it’s the first game in the series in chronological order, it’s also one of the most difficult. If you’re new to the series, you might want to start with one of the other games.
Why is Halo so Popular?
So, why is Halo so popular? Here are a few reasons:
- Gameplay: Halo’s fast-paced, action-packed gameplay is addictive and exciting.
- Story: The Halo series has a rich, complex story that explores themes of humanity, war, and the nature of existence.
- Characters: The series features a cast of memorable, well-developed characters, including Master Chief, the Arbiter, and Cortana.
- Multiplayer: Halo’s multiplayer mode is some of the best in the industry, with a wide variety of modes and game types.
Conclusion
The Halo series is a vast, complex universe with a rich history and a diverse cast of characters. While there are many ways to experience the series, the best way to start is with Halo: Combat Evolved or Halo 2, depending on your preferences.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the series, Halo has something for everyone. With its fast-paced gameplay, engaging story, and memorable characters, it’s no wonder the series has become a beloved part of gaming culture.